Matthew specialises in personal injury litigation. He has particular interest in, and experience of, claims involving allegations of fraud in a variety of contexts: employers’ liability, public liability, and all aspects of motor claims.
Recent cases have included: staged/no accident cases, in both motor vehicles and at work, low velocity impact / no injury cases, bogus passenger claims, including Bashir and others v. Bashir and Fortis (minor’s claim struck out for supporting dishonest claims of family members), public liability claims, including those involving family members, and exaggerated claims.
In addition, Matthew represented a local authority in its application for costs against a non-party credit hire company, the first successful application of its kind, recently upheld by the Court of Appeal.
As well as court work, Matthew regularly advises solicitors, insurers, and clients at all stages of such litigation, assisting in early decision making and planning. He has given training to insurance industry staff and solicitors on how to defend suspected fraudulent cases.
In 2007 Matthew was appointed to the Attorney-General’s regional panel. He is a contributing editor to Butterworth’s Personal Injury Law Service.
Recommendations
“He's very cooperative and good to work with. He's sensible and progresses matters forward well.” “An extremely capable and thoroughly reliable opponent.”
Chambers UK 2021 (Motor Insurance Fraud)
“A bright guy, who is very careful in his preparation.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Very diligent and easy to deal with.” “Very personable and very switched-on.”
Chambers UK 2019
“He’s a tenacious litigator, he sees the bigger picture and he’s very good with clients.” “He’s someone who can assimilate masses of complex stuff very, very quickly. He has impressive attention to detail and is always totally prepared.”
Chambers UK 2019
“He fights very hard on behalf of his clients and he is excellent at disentangling complex and voluminous evidence.” “He provides balanced advice to achieve the best outcome.”
Chambers UK 2018
“Specialises in fraudulent injury claims.”
Legal 500 2017
“Superb on detail and can dissect even the most complex evidence into understandable formats.” “Provides balanced advice to achieve the best outcome.”
Chambers UK 2017
“His advocacy skills are formidable.”
Legal 500 2016
“Intellectually there are few who can compete with him, he can grasp the most complex evidence and make it simple.”
Chambers UK 2016
Notable Cases
Bashir and others v. Bashir and Fortis
Farrell and Short v Birmingham City Council and DAMS [2009] EWCA Civ 769
Successfully defended the fraudulent claim brought by F and S against B.C.C. Thereafter Counsel advised upon, drafted and made a successful application for costs against the non party credit hire company - the first reported application of its kind - and successfully defended the credit hire company’s appeal in the Court of Appeal.
Appointments
Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (2007) but did not re-apply in 2012
Memberships
Personal Injuries Bar Association; PNBA.
Qualifications
BA - History, Worcester College, Oxford
